Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with vatican

A Community that canonized John XXIII?

parmanparman — Wed, 06 May 2009 09:45:36 -0800

Is there a Catholic community of more than one church or one leader where the Decision of the Second Vatican Council is followed to the exact letter of the new law rather than implemented in sorts or passed over in certain areas like the Roman Catholic Church?

Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati

bryon — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:57:30 -0800

And that's very nearly the limit of my Latin, such as it is. Is Latin really a supremely clear and precise language? BBC News is quoting Reginald Foster, an American Roman Catholic priest, as supporting the Vatican's use of Latin on part of its Web site. He told the BBC:

"You have to say something and move on. It's not like French and some of these philosophical languages where you can write a whole page and say nothing - in Latin you can't do that!''

I'm curious whether this is, in fact, true and if so in what sense or senses.

Back when I was in school (uphill both ways, you know) I was told that Latin, for all its contributions to English, was a dead language. I opted to study French and German instead. Are people such as myself missing out on something wonderful by not knowing Latin?

Isidore for Internet?

Chrysostom — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 06:28:40 -0800

Has St. Isidore of Seville been formally named patron saint of the internet? A few years ago, there was a lot of talk about the Vatican considering a patron saint for the internet, with St. Isidore of Seville as the leading candidate. I can't find anything definitive that indicates that this was ever finally decided. Was there some sort of formal statement from the Vatican?

What is the best book for someone interested in the early Catholic church?

HiddenInput — Fri, 15 Apr 2005 06:32:22 -0800

Inspired by the recent coverage of John Paul II's death, I'm looking for a book about the early history of the Catholic church. I'm more interested in an historical analysis than a religious analysis, but obviously there might be some overlap. Any suggestions?

Looking for a photo of Castel Gandolfo.

Count Ziggurat — Wed, 06 Apr 2005 18:49:59 -0800

Am looking for a good photo of Castel Gandolfo. Am looking for a photo of the papal buildings in Castel Gandolfo. Sorry about such a specific question, but Google is not being particularly helpful. The photo needs to be fairly large and detailed, as it's to be used in art, and it needs to show as much of the place as possible.
Anyone know where one might be had?